Pakistan president to be discharged from hospital

FILE - In this Aug. 15, 2010 file photo, Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari listens to a reporter at a press conference in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari's associate said Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 that the leader suffered a 'mini-stroke.'

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan's president will be discharged from hospital in Dubai on Thursday, his office said, adding that all tests carried out on him returned results "within normal range."

The Wednesday statement did not specify the cause of the president's weeklong illness, but a close associate has said he suffered a "mini-stroke."

Zardari's illness and his sudden trip abroad has triggered speculation that the 56-year-old could be losing his grip on power. This is denied by officials.

The statement said Asif Ali Zardari was to rest at home, but didn't say whether this would be in Pakistan or in Dubai, where Zardari's family is known to have property.

The presidency also faxed a statement bearing the letterhead of the American Hospital in Dubai, giving details of the president's health. Signed by a doctor at the hospital, it said on admission the president was complaining of numbness in the left arm, twitching and had suffered a "loss of consciousness that lasted for a few seconds."

It did not give a diagnosis, but said Zardari was to continue taking his regular heart medications.

It said doctors performed procedures including an MRI scan of his brain and a lumbar puncture taking fluid from his spine, and that results "were within normal range."

On Wednesday, a close associate of Zardari said the leader had suffered a "mini-stroke"

A "mini-stroke" is medically known as a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. It occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is briefly interrupted, causing symptoms similar to a stroke but not as long-lasting, because with a TIA, the blood supply is restored.

Zardari was admitted to hospital on Dec. 6.

His absence coincided with domestic political attacks against him over a memo delivered to U.S. officials, asking for Washington's help in reining in Pakistan's powerful military.

Zardari had been scheduled to present a statement to the Supreme Court this week explaining his role, if any, in the affair.

The president's illness also came a week after NATO airstrikes killed 24 Pakistani soldiers on the Afghan border, causing a spike in tensions with the United States.

Zardari had been expected to address a joint session of parliament about the raid, which has triggered a wave of anger in the country at his government's alliance with Washington.